Columbia Records Launches the New Sounds of Jazz for the 21st Century.

Entertainment Editors

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Aug. 20, 2001

              David Sanchez, Angelique Kidjo, Peter White
              On-Board For Columbia Night At J&R Jazzfest
                          Thursday, August 23

      New Releases Include Martin Taylor, E.S.T., Richard Bona,
              David Sanchez, Steve Tyrell, Peter White,
                    Chris Botti & Angelique Kidjo

Columbia Records is renewing its commitment to the ever-expanding world of jazz with a slate of new releases delineating exciting new sounds for the future.

As part of the launch of the new era in Columbia jazz, the label is hosting a Columbia Night at J&R Jazzfest 2001 on Thursday, August 23, at City Hall Park, across from J&R Music World in Manhattan. Columbia Night begins at 5pm with a performance by David Sanchez, followed by a 6pm show by Angelique Kidjo and a 7pm set by Peter White.

"Those who love jazz know that the music contains a multitude of idioms," said Jeff Jones, Senior Vice President, Jazz, Columbia Records. "The Columbia jazz umbrella can, and should, include traditional and contemporary jazz as well as world music, blues, electronica, and many more genres. Columbia Records is committed to the rich history of jazz as well as its enormous future potential. The label is uniquely positioned to expand the definition of jazz for the 21st century music fan and I am very excited about that prospect."

Already in stores are Nitelife, the new album from British-born guitarist Martin Taylor, and Somewhere Else Before, the North American debut album from the innovative Swedish piano-bass-drum trio E.S.T. (Esbjorn Svensson Trio).

Nitelife features a mix of alluring, groove-oriented songs by Taylor and sax superstar Kirk Whalum as well as sizzling new arrangements of several pop and R&B standards. "No matter how complex or daring," wrote The Washington Post, "Taylor's interpretations never short change the melodies; indeed, his remarkably fluid touch imbues a seamless beauty. Taylor is something to behold."

E.S.T. has emerged amongst the leaders of a new musical movement that critics and musicians refer to as "European new jazz." Steeped in classic acoustic jazz and informed by such electric styles as European art music, drum 'n' bass, and rock, Somewhere Else Before bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary music without resorting to the jam-band vibe currently in vogue in the crossover-jazz world. The New York Times said E.S.T.'s music is "...not what jazz was but is a vision of what it can be."

On September 18, Columbia Records will release Reverence, the new album from the Cameroon-born multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Richard Bona, who took the music scene by storm with his arrival in New York City in 1995. On Reverence, an album of all original compositions, Bona continues to realize the full potential of his inherited centuries-old tradition of storytelling through music, a tradition that was passed down to him from his grandfather, also a musician. Sung in his native language of Douala, Bona's songs are rich tales of life delivered with his striking, angelic falsetto, self-accompanied on acoustic guitar, electric bass, flute, keyboards and percussion. Reverence features appearances by special guests guitarist Pat Metheny (on the title track) and saxophonist Michael Brecker.

Travesia, the new album from world-renowned saxophonist/composer David Sanchez, will be in stores on October 2. "Travesia is a crossing--not really the journey itself, but the motion and movement of it," says Sanchez. "It's part of life, it's living, moving forward." On his new album, Sanchez leads his able sextet forward from his Grammy-nominated album, Melaza, towards a striking new soundscape. On Travesia, David Sanchez once again reveals his depth as an artist, allowing his true self--his journey and memories--to shine through his music unfiltered.

Steve Tyrell, a gifted producer, composer and singer, was born in Texas and honed his skills performing in local R&B band before moving to New York at the age of 18. Tyrell's resume runs an extraordinary gamut--from producing B.J. Thomas hits like "Hooked On A Feeling" and "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" to authoring the Jamie Walters smash "Hold On" to work in film and television ("Mystic Pizza," "Midnight Crossing," "The Brady Bunch Movie"). He's worked with artists ranging from James Ingram to Linda Ronstadt to Andy Griffith to Blood, Sweat & Tears and his songs appear on no less than 12 Elvis Presley albums. "He sings the great songs the way they should be sung," said jazz clarinetist/American humorist Woody Allen. It's a sentiment echoed by the legendary Rosemary Clooney who said, "Here it is, someone young & talented to sing these songs as though it's the very first time." Steve Tyrell's latest album of vocals, Standard Time will be available on October 2.

Since 1990, Peter White has created a half-dozen albums that both define and dominate a musical genre. The five-time (including two Guitarist of the Year trophies) Oasis Smooth Jazz Award-winning guitarist has collected a string of #1 singles. His music--a wondrous mix of potent grooves and gentle romance, lighthearted melodies and deep emotional expression--has been a cornerstone of the smooth jazz genre, perfectly paralleling the success of the radio format itself. On his latest album, Glow, White offers a sense of musical enlightenment via a combination of soulful nostalgia, lush love songs and snappy up-tempo numbers, all hallmarks of his sound. Glow expands the guitarist's usual scope to include spirited stylistic excursions into Latin music and funky hip-hop. Glow, which features guest performances by a Who's Who of Smooth jazz (Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Steve Cole, Euge Groove, Jeff Lober), will be in stores on October 2.

The evocative, atmospheric improvisations of trumpeter Chris Botti have created, over the course of his extraordinary career, a virtual genre-of-one in the realm of contemporary jazz. On Night Sessions, Botti's new album on Columbia Records, the trumpeter/composer seamlessly blends scintillating sounds to the smoky, late night ambience of Europe's au courant Cafe Del Mar scene to create music that is, at once, languid and intense, atmospheric and focused, relaxed and rigorous. Written and recorded during a break as a featured soloist on Sting's Brand New Day tour and produced by Grammy Award-winner Kipper, Botti's fourth solo album is layered with sensual textures complimenting the purity of his tone and his imaginative approach to melody. Featuring an unrecorded Sting composition, "All Would Envy," with a sultry vocal by Columbia Records labelmate Shawn Colvin, Night Sessions will be in stores on October 30. A vinyl version of the album will be available on October 2.

Angelique Kidjo, whose infectious blend of African pop, jazz, and rock has entranced millions of listeners worldwide, has recently performed with the Dave Matthew Band, the Neville Brothers and Macy Gray, during a 30+ date tour of North America. More than one of the world's best-loved African singers, Kidjo is a musical ambassador for the African continent. She sings a message of unity and openness, accompanied by her joyful, danceable international pop. Her varied musical career has seen her translating classics ranging from George and Ira Gershwin's "Summertime" to her ecstatic electronic reinvention of Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)." Keep On Moving: the Best of Angelique Kidjo, a collection of 18 tracks spanning her career thus-far, was released earlier this year on Columbia/Wrasse Records. An album of brand-new material, as yet untitled, is planned for release in February 2001.

Other upcoming releases will include new albums by "new grass" banjo player/composer Bela Fleck & the Flecktones and Jefferson Airplane/Hot Tuna guitarist Jorma Kaukonen.

For more information, please contact Maria C. Malta, Columbia Records, Media, New York, 212-833-7942; email: [e-mail]

Online press, please contact Lisa Linder, Columbia Records, Online & Emerging Technologies, New York, 212-833-6666; email: [e-mail]

Columbia Records online: www.columbiarecords.com